Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
Who are members of Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT)?
How much of my annual contribution is tax deductible?
How is my contribution used?
How long is my commitment when I join?
When is my contribution due?
In what ways may I make a payment?
How can I get more information about Anne Arundel Women Giving Together?
Member Meetings
Does Anne Arundel Women Giving Together meet as a group?
May members bring guests to meetings?
Committees
What are the committees that Anne Arundel Women Giving Together has formed?
Do members have to join a committee?
May members join more than one committee?
May members bring guests to a committee meeting?
Membership
Who are members of Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT)?
AAWGT is a nonpartisan group that welcomes women of all ages from diverse backgrounds who want to participate in its mission to improve the lives of other women and families in Anne Arundel County. The only requirement for membership is a contribution and you can easily join by mail or online following the steps on the Join or Renew page. The minimum annual contribution is $550 ($275 for women age 35 and under). $500 goes directly to the grants fund and $50 covers operating costs (or $25 for women age 35 and under).
How much of my annual contribution is tax deductible?
In most cases, 100% of your contribution is tax-deductible.
How is my contribution used?
Ninety percent of each membership contribution becomes part of the grant fund and is awarded in the year following the contribution. The remaining 10% administrative fee covers AAWGT's marketing, member outreach events, education and grants programs and support from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. If you make a general donation to AAWGT, you may specify how you want the funds to be used, e.g., grant funds, member scholarships, administrative support, etc.
How long is my commitment when I join?
Your commitment is for one year and membership renews annually on a calendar basis. If you wish, you may pay for more than one year at a time.
When is my contribution due?
We ask members to send their renewals by June 30 with final payment to be received no later than December 31.
In what ways may I make payment?
Please follow the steps described on the Join or Renew or Donate pages.
How can I get more information about Anne Arundel Women Giving Together?
Please contact our Membership and Outreach Committee Chair at
membership@givingtogether.org
Member Meetings
Does Anne Arundel Women Giving Together meet as a group?
There are monthly meetings, usually on the second Wednesday of the month.
See our
Calendar of Events for details on our events and programs.
May members bring guests to meetings?
Generally, all AAWGT meetings and events are open to guests, with the exception of the Grants Voting meeting held in May and the Grant Criteria Review and Revision meeting in September. Members should plan to accompany their guests to the meeting whenever possible.
Committees
What are the committees that Anne Arundel Women Giving Together has formed?
- Education & Program
- Governance
- Grants
- Leadership Development & Nominating
- Marketing & Communications
- Membership & Outreach
- Post-Grants Evaluation
Do members have to join a committee?
All members are encouraged to serve on a committee. It is a great way to get involved and meet other members.
May members join more than one committee?
Yes, but we recommend that you first carefully consider the time commitment of each.
May members bring guests to a committee meeting?
Because committee meetings are for the purpose of conducting AAWGT committee and member business, they do not generally include guests. However, prospective members are welcome and encouraged to attend a committee meeting at the invitation of an AAWGT member.
Grants
How are grants awarded?
AAWGT members are involved in all aspects of the decision-making process associated with grants awarded by AAWGT. The Grants Committee Reviewers Subcommittee reviews grant proposals received and recommendations are presented to the full membership for their final decisions.
What is the timeline for the grants process?
The Request for Proposal (RFP) is typically sent out in early January, grant applicant forums and reviewer training sessions are held in January; grant applications are due in February. The Grants Committee presents recommendations to the full membership at the May general meeting and grants are awarded starting July 1.
How does an organization receive information about applying for a grant?
AAWGT mails out notices to potential organizations as well as posts notices in local newspapers and on this website. The Grants Committee also welcomes recommendations of prospective grantees (that deliver services in Anne Arundel County) from AAWGT members. All information about applying for an AAWGT grant is updated in December for the following year's grant cycle.
How can a member participate in the grants review process?
AAWGT members can sign up to serve on the Reviewers Subcommittee of the Grants Committee by using contact information provided in their membership packet.